Sun Devils Offer Nation’s Top JUCO Prospect

247Sports' composite rankings list Vakalahi as the No. 3 overall JUCO prospect in the 2026 class, the No. 3 JUCO defensive lineman, and the No. 1 overall player from Australia.

So far this season at NMMI, Vakalahi has recorded 22 total tackles, four for loss, and 1.5 sacks. The 6'5" 260-pound offensive lineman is currently a sophomore and will have at least two years of eligibility left once he commits to a FBS program.

Vakalahi's recruitment has picked up steam in recent weeks. Since Oct, he's received offers from New Mexico State, Middle Tennessee, Memphis, Cal, UTSA, Kansas State, and now Arizona State.

NMMI has a history of producing high-level football talent. Its most famous product is NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Rodger Staubach, who went on to play at Navy after his time with the JUCO. Most recently, NMMI produced Diego Pavia, who played at New Mexico State before eventually becoming Vanderbilt's quarterback.

Dillingham has done a good job of recruiting across the defensive line in the 2026 cycle, bringing in two interior prospects and two EDGE prospects. What makes Vakalahi different is that he already has experience at the college level and could be a plug-and-play guy for the Sun Devils next season.

As more 2026 high school recruits finalize their commitments, JUCO prospects will start to gain more attention.

Arizona State is pretty early on Vakalahi's recruitment, which should allow them to have a head start over other Power Four programs. Still, the Sun Devils will likely face serious competition if they decide to pursue him.